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Abrasive blasting, which is the process of using specialized machinery to project or “shoot” media at high speed across a hard surface, can be ideal for removing old finishes. It can also power away rust or prepare the surface for painting.
Here are 7 tips that can help you choose the best abrasive media for your specific blasting applications.
The abrasiveness of media affects the surface texture post-blasting. Silicon carbide and aluminum oxide are very abrasive and are good for heavy-duty stripping. Glass beads and plastic media, on the other hand, are gentle and suitable for cosmetic finishing or sensitive materials.
Different media types can produce varied finishes, from smooth and polished to rough and textured.
For instance, glass beads are known for delivering a smooth, satin-like finish, while aluminum oxide produces a matte finish suitable for painting.
For metals, especially those that have rust or tough coatings, stronger media such as steel grit or silicon carbide may be more appropriate.
Consider the hardness of both the media and the material you’re working on. For tougher surfaces like steel, use hard media such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. For softer materials like wood or fiberglass, go for softer options such as walnut shells or plastic beads to avoid damage.
For projects requiring multiple cycles or large-scale applications, choosing a reusable media can save costs. For example, steel shot and aluminum oxide are durable and can withstand repeated uses, while materials like baking soda or corn cob are typically single-use.If your project involves disposable media, like sand or soda, ensure the media is affordable and readily available in large quantities.
Media shape (round or angular) and particle size influence blasting aggressiveness and finish. For fast material removal, choose angular media like crushed glass. For a finer finish, go with round media, such as glass beads. Larger particles create a rougher profile, while smaller particles achieve a smoother finish.
When working on intricate or delicate parts, use less aggressive media to prevent damage. Baking soda is a great choice for cleaning surfaces without causing abrasion, while walnut shells are ideal for removing paint from fragile surfaces without scratching.
For automotive and aerospace applications, plastic is extremely soft, making it an ideal medium for removing paint from the surface of fiberglass parts. Fiberglass parts are commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive, aerospace, and marine products, without etching or stripping. Using plastic for blasting also results in very low levels of dust.
The environmental impact and safety profile of blasting media can be a deciding factor, especially in confined areas or eco-sensitive projects. Garnet and walnut shells are eco-friendly options that produce minimal dust and can be disposed of safely, whereas silica sand may release harmful dust and has health concerns associated with silicosis.
By evaluating factors like media abrasiveness, finish requirements, hardness, reusability and durability, media shape and size, cleaning precision, environmental impact, and safety, you can select the best blasting media for your project. This ensures not only optimal results but also safety and cost efficiency.
☞Find more information on how to select the right sandblasting abrasive
